Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2014–Dec 7th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Travel conditions are improving as last week's storm snow settles into a supportive midpack. The main concern is the interface between this settled snow and crusts near the bottom of the snowpack, particularly at treeline.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures to remain mild throughout the week, dropping next Sunday. We expect 5cm in the Icefields area in the next 24 hours and then another 15cm over the course of the week. A steady drop in pressure and cloudy skies throughout the week will accompany the snowfall. Winds will be variable; most intense mid-week from the South.

Snowpack Summary

Settled storm snow at lower elevations and windslab in the alpine. The main concern is the interface between the settled storm snow and several crusts near the bottom of the snowpack. This interface is producing sudden collapse results in test profiles and widespread whumphing at treeline and has been associated with recent natural avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

Field teams reported several full depth avalanches to size 2 on South East aspects at approximately 2400m. These occurred in the last 24 hours.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Storm snow has evolved into a persistent slab mainly around treeline and sheltered alpine slopes. Widespread whumphing in open treeline areas.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

These slabs are found on exposed slopes and produced moderate to hard test results with failures in the facet layer near the bottom of the snowpack.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2